International mobility departments play a fundamental role within universities. Their work enables thousands of students each year to undertake academic experiences abroad by managing agreements, administrative processes, and student support before, during, and after their stay. However, the landscape has changed significantly.

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The sharp growth in international mobility, the diversification of student profiles, and increasing pressure to deliver more comprehensive experiences have led these departments to rethink how they operate. The future is no longer limited to managing exchanges; it is about designing ecosystems that support students throughout the entire process of studying and, above all, living, in another country.

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In this guide, we outline the key pillars driving this transformation.  

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Technology as the operational foundation

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Digitalisation is no longer optional. Mobility departments are dealing with ever-growing volumes of information: student profiles, destinations, accommodation, providers, insurance, visas, communications, and ongoing monitoring. When these processes remain manual or fragmented, the risk of error increases and time spent on repetitive tasks escalates.

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Specialised technology makes it possible to centralise information, automate workflows, and maintain a clear overview of each student’s status. This not only reduces administrative burden, but also improves responsiveness to incidents and frees up time for higher-value work, such as personalised support and programme development.  

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Flexibility over rigid models

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A few years ago, the traditional international mobility model catered to very specific profiles. Today, the reality is quite different. Students no longer fit a single pattern: there are shorter stays, hybrid programmes, mobility outside the standard academic calendar, and combinations of study, internships, and professional experiences.

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Departments need flexible structures that can adapt to this diversity. This means less rigid processes, tools that allow for personalised pathways, and agreements with providers that respond to different needs depending on destination and student profile.

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Flexibility also translates into the ability to scale programmes without requiring teams to grow at the same pace, an especially important consideration for universities experiencing a steady increase in international programmes and students.

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Inclusion as part of the design, not an add-on

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Talking about the future of international mobility also means addressing inclusion. Not all students start from the same economic, cultural, or personal circumstances. Accommodation, cost of living, access to basic services, or administrative barriers can become real obstacles for many.  

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Departments with a long-term perspective are embedding solutions that reduce these barriers from the outset: clear information, access to reliable services, verified accommodation options, and support that goes beyond the academic sphere.  

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Inclusion is not achieved through scholarships alone; it is built through clearer processes, informed decision-making, and tools that help students arrive at their destination with greater confidence and security.  

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Abroad: a response to this new reality

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It is within this context that Abroad was created, the software developed by Lodgerin specifically for universities and organisations managing international mobility. Abroad brings together student, destination, and service management within a single environment, enabling teams to work in a more structured and efficient way.

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The software connects the academic dimension with everything that surrounds international experience: accommodation, essential services during the stay, and continuous communication with students. This allows departments to offer more comprehensive experience without increasing operational workload.  

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The future of international university mobility lies in more strategic teams, supported by technology, built on flexible structures, and guided by a more inclusive vision. Abroad does not replace the human work of mobility departments; it strengthens it, enabling teams to focus on what truly matters: supporting students through one of the most transformative stages of their academic lives.